Eating healthy on the go can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when fast food and convenience stores seem to be the only options available. However, with a little planning and preparation, it is possible to make healthy choices even when you’re on the go.
Things to consider when eating healthy on the go
One of the key things to consider when trying to eat healthy while on the go is to choose foods that are nutrient-dense and will provide sustained energy. This means opting for whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, rather than processed snack foods or sugary drinks.
Packing your own meals and snacks can be a great way to ensure that you have healthy options available. This can be as simple as packing a sandwich made with whole grain bread, plenty of vegetables, and a protein source like tofu, chicken, or turkey. Other portable options might include a small container of hummus and vegetables, a handful of nuts, or a piece of fruit.
If you do need to purchase food while you’re out and about, try to choose options that are as unprocessed as possible. For example, rather than a fast food burger and fries, opt for a grilled chicken sandwich and a side salad. At a convenience store, look for options like bags of mixed nuts or dried fruit, rather than chips or candy.
Drinking plenty of water is also important for maintaining healthy eating habits while on the go. Carry a refillable water bottle with you and aim to drink at least eight cups of water per day. This will help to keep you hydrated and may also help you to feel full, which can be helpful if you’re trying to limit your intake of unhealthy snack foods.
Benefits of eating healthy on the go
Eating healthy can have numerous benefits for both your physical and mental health. Here are just a few:
- Improved energy levels: When you eat a diet that is rich in nutrients, you’ll have more sustained energy throughout the day. This can be especially beneficial if you have a busy schedule and need to be on the go a lot.
- Better weight management: Choosing healthy, whole foods can help you to maintain a healthy weight, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Processed snack foods and fast food items are often high in calories and low in nutrients, which can contribute to weight gain.
- Improved mental clarity: The nutrients found in whole, unprocessed foods can help to support brain function and improve mental clarity. This can be especially beneficial if you need to be alert and focused while you’re on the go.
- Stronger immune system: A healthy diet can help to support a strong immune system, which can help you to stay healthy and avoid getting sick. When you’re on the go, it can be easy to fall into the trap of relying on fast food and convenience store options, which may not provide the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
- Better overall health: Eating a healthy diet has numerous benefits for your overall health. It can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. By choosing healthy options while you’re on the go, you can ensure that you’re getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and thrive.
Eating healthy on the go doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With a little planning and preparation, you can make healthy choices even when you’re on the go.
What is healthy to eat for lunch on the go (healthy fast-food alternatives)
There are many healthy options for lunch on the go or to use as a healthy fast-food alternative, it just takes a little planning and preparation. Here are a few healthy eating on the go ideas to get you started.
- A whole grain sandwich with plenty of vegetables and a protein source such as tofu, chicken, or turkey.
- A salad with a variety of vegetables, a protein source like tofu or chicken, and a healthy dressing such as vinaigrette.
- A whole grain wrap with hummus, vegetables, and a protein source like tofu or shrimp.
- A homemade lunch bowl with whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, a protein source like beans or tofu, and a variety of vegetables.
- A small container of homemade soup with whole grains and a variety of vegetables.
- Grilled chicken or turkey sandwich with vegetables and a side salad, rather than fries.
- A veggie burger with whole grain bun and a side of fruit.
- A bowl with brown rice, beans, vegetables, and salsa.
- A hearty soup with plenty of vegetables and a protein source like beans or tofu.
- A smoothie made with fruit, vegetables, and a protein source like tofu or Greek yogurt.
- A sushi roll made with brown rice, vegetables, and a protein source like tofu or seafood.
- A grilled chicken or veggie burrito with whole grain tortilla, beans, vegetables, and salsa.
- A tofu or vegetable stir-fry with brown rice or quinoa.
- A baked potato with vegetables and a protein source like beans or tofu.
- A grilled chicken or vegetable salad with a variety of greens and a healthy dressing like vinaigrette.
- A turkey or veggie wrap with whole grain tortilla, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
- A grilled chicken or vegetable skewers with a side of quinoa and a salad.
Remember to also include a source of healthy fats, such as avocado or nuts, and a piece of fruit to round out the meal. Pack these items in a lunch box or to-go container so that you can take them with you when you’re on the go. With a little planning and preparation, it’s easy to make healthy choices even when you’re busy.
What healthy diets are great when you have no time
There are many healthy diets that can be adapted for eating on the go. Here are a few examples:
- The Mediterranean diet: This diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil. It also includes moderate amounts of seafood, poultry, and eggs, and limited amounts of red meat.
- The vegetarian diet: A vegetarian diet is plant-based and includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. There are several different types of vegetarian diets, including lacto-ovo vegetarian (includes dairy and eggs), vegan (excludes all animal products), and pesco-vegetarian (includes seafood).
- The flexitarian diet: The flexitarian diet is a semi-vegetarian diet that includes mostly plant-based foods, but also allows for small amounts of animal products. It emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and can be a good option for those who want to eat healthier but aren’t ready to give up meat entirely.
- The whole30 diet: The whole30 diet is a short-term, restrictive diet that eliminates certain groups of foods, including grains, legumes, dairy, and added sugars. It emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and is designed to help people identify food sensitivities and improve overall health.
These are just a few examples of healthy diets that can be adapted for eating on the go. It’s important to choose a diet that works for you and that you can stick with long-term. Remember to focus on whole, unprocessed foods and to pay attention to portion sizes to ensure that you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.
Eating healthy on the go is all about making smart choices and being prepared. By packing your own meals and snacks and choosing whole, unprocessed foods when you need to purchase food, you can ensure that you’re getting the nutrients your body needs even when you’re on the go.